Operation Rahat was the name given to the Indian Air Force's rescue operations to evacuate civilians

affected by the 2013 North India floods. Thousands of pilgrims in transit in the hill states
of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh were stranded in various valleys. It was one of the largest
operations of the Indian Armed Forces in several decades. [1] and IAF claims it to be the biggest civilian
rescue operation in the world carried out by any air force using helicopters. [2] During the first phase of the
operation From 17 June 2013, the IAF airlifted a total of 19,600 people - flying a total of 2,140 sorties and
dropping/landing a total of 3,82,400 kg of relief material and equipment.[3]
On 16 June, following flash floods due to heavy rains, assistance was sought from the IAF for rescue
operations. The Western Air Command (WAC) promptly responded to the requests and undertook
simultaneous tasks in the sectors of Yamunanagar,Kedarnath-Badrinath axis, Rudraprayag valley and the
Karcham- Puh axis. Air Commodore Rajesh Isser was appointed Task Force Commander of Operation
Rahat.[2]
The Sarsawa Air Force Station was made the hub centre with helicopters converging from
the Bhatinda and Hindon air force bases. A number of medium lift helicopters including the newly
inducted Mil Mi-17 V5 were positioned on 17 June at Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun despite inclement
weather. On 17 June, a total of 36 persons were evacuated from Karnal by a Mi-17. In addition, 21
passengers including 15 children were rescued from Nakud by an ALH operating from Sarsawa. On 18
Jun two additional MI -17 V5 helicopters were put into service along with the National Disaster Response
Force (NDRF) teams in the general area of Rampur- Reckong Peo in Himachal Pradesh.[4]
By 19 June, the IAF had deployed 20 aircraft including 8 Mi-17 helicopters, 10 Advanced Light
Helicopters (ALH), One An-32transport aircraft and one HS-748 Transport aircraft to carry out constant
missions. IAF operations covered Phata, Guptakashi,Gaurikund, Kedarnath in Dehradun and Rampur,
Karcham, Reckong Peo, Sangla in Himachal. An IAF C 130J flew over flood affected areas in Dehradun
Uttarkashi, Kedarnath and Joshimath to identify critical areas in the region on 19 June to help prioritise
Disaster Relief Operations and facilitate further relief operations. An ALH based at Bareilly rescued about
50 marooned villagers in the foothills using winch equipment. The ALH were subsequently positioned at
Pithoragarh sector for the rescue and food packet drop effort. Four ALH helicopters of the Sarang display
team were also deployed for relief operations.
The second phase of the operation entailing support of long-term rehabilitation efforts in the hilly areas of
Uttarakhand started on 5 July 2013

 ROLE OF GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES

The Army, Air Force, Navy, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP),
Border Security Force, National Disaster Response Force
(NDRF), Public Works Department and local administrations
worked together for quick rescue operations. [14] Several
thousand soldiers were deployed for the rescue missions. [40]
Activists of political and social organizations are also
involved in the rescue and management of relief centres. [41]
The national highway and other important roads were closed
to regular traffic.[15] Helicopters were used to rescue people,
but due to the rough terrain, heavy fog and rainfall,
maneuvering them was a challenge.[17] By 21 June 2013, the
Army had deployed 10,000 soldiers and 11 helicopters, [28][42]
the Navy had sent 45 naval divers, and the Air force had
deployed 43 aircraft including 36 helicopters. [43] From 17 June
to 30 June 2013, the IAF airlifted a total of 18,424 people flying a total of 2,137 sorties and dropping/landing a total of
3,36,930 kg of relief material and equipment.[44]
On June 25, one of 3 IAF Mil Mi-17 rescue helicopters returning
from Kedarnath, carrying 5 Air Force Officers, 9 of the NDRF,
and 6 of the ITBP crashed on a mountainous slope near Gauri
Kund, killing all on board.[45][46] The deceased soldiers were
given a ceremonial Guard of honour by Home minister of
India, at a function organised by the Uttarakhand State
Government